Toyota and Lexus are going big with their first 3-row electric SUVs
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- Toyota announced that its Highlander BEV will go on sale by the end of 2026, offering three rows of seating and up to 320 miles of range with a 95.82 kWh battery.
- Lexus unveiled the 2027 TZ, a three‑row electric SUV based on the same TNGA platform, with 76.96 kWh and 95.82 kWh battery options delivering up to 300 miles of range.
- Lexus equipped the TZ with a standard upgraded DIRECT4 AWD system delivering 420 hp and a torque distribution that can shift from 60:40 to 0:100 front:rear during acceleration and from 80:20 to 0:100 while cornering.
- Toyota offers the Highlander BEV in Limited or XLE grades, with FWD models producing 221 hp and AWD models delivering 338 hp, and the Limited grade comes standard with the larger 95.8 kWh battery.
- Lexus introduced a new Driving Lounge interior concept, featuring ventilated and power‑adjustable captain’s seats, the quietest cabin yet, and an Active Sound Control system that mimics ICE engine sounds.
- Both vehicles support up to 150 kW fast charging, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in roughly 35 minutes, and include a built‑in NACS port for Tesla Supercharger compatibility without an adapter.
- Toyota plans to price the Highlander BEV around $50,000 and the Lexus TZ near $60,000, positioning the TZ as a higher‑end alternative.
Why it matters: Consumers gain a new choice of three‑row electric SUVs with competitive range and fast‑charging, while Toyota and Lexus capture a growing premium EV market segment. The inclusion of NACS ports gives owners access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, enhancing convenience and potentially boosting sales.
